1 Corinthians 9:19-27

New International Version

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹ Though I am free^(A) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,^(B) to win as many as possible.^{(C) 20} To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.^(D) To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),^(E) so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law^(F) (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),^(G) so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.^(H) I have become all things to all people^(I) so that by all possible means I might save some.^{(J) 23} I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The Need for Self-Discipline

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?^(K) Run^(L) in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown^(M) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.^{(N) 26} Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(O) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^{(P) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(Q) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(R)